Self-massage roller and bottle

ABSTRACT

A self-massage roller having a bottle, a covering, and, optionally, a removable cap. The bottle provides a vessel for holding liquids. The covering includes a base layer and a plurality of nubs. The base layer overlays the outer surface of the bottle. Each nub in the plurality of nubs protrudes from the base layer in a direction radially away from the outer surface of the bottle. Each nub is a massage element, and the plurality of nubs forms a textured surface for myofascial release of certain muscles of the user. In another version, each nub is attached directly to the outer surface of the bottle without an intervening base layer. In versions with a cap, the cap may include a flip-up spout, or it may have a plunger valve that opens upon pulling the plunger outward and closes upon pushing in the plunger.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the field of exercise and mobility products,more particularly to bottles having exterior padding, and that areconfigured and adapted to function both as a vessel for holding liquidsfor consumption by a user and as a roller for myofascial flexibility andmuscle tension release for the user.

BACKGROUND ART

Myofascial rollers have become an important piece of equipment in thefield of exercise and mobility. Use of a foam roller provides numerousbenefits to its user in terms of flexibility and decreasing muscletension. A foam roller also can be used in warm up and recovery.Currently available rollers are normally large in size, causingportability problems. Typically, a person's equipment bag or usualcarrying case or purse is very full with numerous items that one wishesto carry. And carrying around, in addition, an oversized foam roller isa problem for many.

Conventional rollers are normally cylindrical in shape and constructedfrom a variety of foams. As used in the field of exercise, a bottle is avessel typically used for rehydration during or after exercise.Rehydration is extremely important for people's health and wellbeing.

Embodiments of the presently described self-massage roller and bottlesolve problems associated with the conventional, relatively large, foamroller products by providing a drink bottle with a foam roller covering,and a lid having an easy pour spout. The presently describedself-massage roller and bottle can be taken wherever the user requireshydration and myofascial release.

The self-massage roller and bottle is a single device with structuresthat provide for combined rehydration and myofascial release. As such,it serves to remind people to do both. With its relatively small size,it is convenient and can be taken virtually anywhere. And the integrateddesign saves space in the user's equipment bag, carrying case, or purse.

The presently described self-massage roller and bottles can be made in avariety of sizes, shapes and configurations; can have any of a varietyof coverings made from different types of foams or to other materials;and the coverings can have any of a variety of surface configurations.Embodiments of the presently described self-massage roller and bottlescan be manufactured in a range of sizes and can have different shapes,styles, and densities of foam coverings.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention combine the traditional benefits ofa foam roller with the traditional benefits of hydration by using adrink bottle. The invention uses a bottle as the core of the roller. Thebottle is a vessel for liquid rehydration and also provides a verystrong core for functioning as a foam roller.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention can be viewed as a self-massageroller with bottle. This self-massage roller has a bottle and acovering. In versions of the invention, the self-massage roller withbottle also includes a removable cap. The bottle has a body, a bottom,and a top. The body has an outer surface, a top end, and a bottom end.The bottom closes the bottom end of the body. The top is at the top endof the body and allows access to the interior of the bottle.

The bottle is preferably formed from type-304 stainless steel having awall thickness of 0.5 mm to provide strength sufficient to carry orsupport great weight needed for use in myofascial release. In someembodiments, the top includes a neck, which may be threaded to mate witha threaded cap.

In one version, the covering includes a base layer and a plurality ofnubs. The base layer overlays the outer surface of the body. Preferably,the covering is relatively tightly positioned around a significantportion of the body and extends along the body for a significant portionof its top-to-bottom length. Each nub in the plurality of nubs protrudesfrom the base layer in a direction radially away from the outer surfaceof the body. Each nub is a massage element, and the plurality of nubsforms a textured surface for myofascial release of certain muscles ofthe user. Preferably, each nub is made of relatively dense syntheticfoam, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

In a version of the invention, the covering is applied to the bottle byway of a hot press mold and glue. In an embodiment, each nub is attacheddirectly to the outer surface of the bottle without an intervening baselayer.

In versions with a cap, the cap may include a flip-up spout, or it mayhave a plunger valve that opens upon pulling the plunger outward andcloses upon pushing in the plunger. Other known designs are alsosuitable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a Self-Massage Rollerand Bottle.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller andBottle shown in FIG. 1. The rear view is identical to this front view.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Rollerand Bottle shown in FIG. 1. The left side view is identical to thisright side view.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller andBottle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller andBottle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken through the line indicated in FIG. 2,showing nubs having a semi-elliptical cross-section.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aSelf-Massage Roller and Bottle.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller andBottle shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross section taken through the line indicated in FIG. 8,showing nubs having a trapezoidal cross-section.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a version of the Self-Massage Rollerand Bottle with a flip-up spout.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a version of the Self-Massage Rollerand Bottle with a plunger valve.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a version of the bottle, shown in isolation.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps forconstructing and operating the invention in connection with theillustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the sameor equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the invention.

By also referring to the drawings, the present invention is directed toa self-massage roller with bottle 100. The self-massage roller withbottle 100 has a bottle 102 and a covering 104. In versions of theinvention, the self-massage roller with bottle 100 also includes a cap106, which is preferably removable.

The bottle 102 has a body 110, a bottom 112, and a top 114. The body 110has an outer surface 116, a top end 118, and a bottom end 120. Thebottom 112 closes the bottom end 120 of the body 110. The top 114 is atthe top end 118 of the body 110 and allows access to the interior 108 ofthe bottle 102. The body 110, the bottom 112, and the top 114 form thebottle 102, with access to the interior 108 of the bottle 102 throughthe top 114.

The bottle 102 is preferably formed from type-304 stainless steel havinga wall thickness of 0.5 mm to provide sufficient strength to carry orsupport great weight needed for use in myofascial release. This wallthickness provides a bottle 102 that is stronger and more durable thanthe typical 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm thicknesses present in other steel bottles.However, other materials and thicknesses can be used if they providesufficient strength to permit the bottle 102 to function as a myofascialrelease device, and if they can be used for bottles that contain liquidsfor human consumption. For example, the bottle 102 may be fashioned fromsynthetic fibers or synthetic composites. Preferably, the bottle 102does not include Bisphenol A (BPA). In a version of the invention, thebody 110 is a cylinder, and it may be a right circular cylinder. In someembodiments, the top 114 includes a neck 130, which is threaded in someversions. In some versions, the top 114 includes a tapered region 132,and the tapered region 132 joins the top end 118 of the body 110 to theneck 130.

The bottle 102 provides a vessel to carry rehydration liquid, such aswater, energy drinks, protein shakes, and healthy green smoothies. Thebottle 102 can vary in size, shape, and volume of capacitym as long asit can be used as a myofascial release device and contain liquids forhuman consumption. The presently preferred volumes of capacity are 12,18, 27, and 40 ounces. The dimensions vary with the embodiment, but abottle 102 having a capacity of about eighteen ounces typically has abottle height 142 of 180 mm (about 7.1 inches), a body diameter 144 of72.5 mm (about 2.9 inches), a top height 146 of 44 mm, and a neckdiameter 148 of 44 mm.

The covering 104 includes a base layer 122 and a plurality of nubs 124.The base layer 122 overlays the outer surface 116 of the body 110.Preferably, the covering 104 is relatively tightly positioned around asignificant portion of the body 110 and extends along the body 110 for asignificant portion of its top-to-bottom length. In general the covering104 extends over more than half of the length of the body 110 to providesufficient surface area to contact a user's leg during use. Each nub inthe plurality of nubs 124 protrudes from the base layer 122 in adirection radially away 126 from the outer surface 116 of the body 110.Each nub is a massage element, and the plurality of nubs 124 forms atextured surface 128 for myofascial release of certain muscles of theuser. In some versions of the invention, the plurality of nubs 124 is atleast fifteen nubs distributed about the base layer 122.

Preferably, each nub is made of relatively dense synthetic foam. Mostpreferably, the synthetic foam is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). However,materials of different densities can be used to offer the user a rangeof different massages for myofascial release by providing a relativelyharder or softer feel. For example, the base layer 122 or the pluralityof nubs 124 could be made from natural or synthetic rubber, includingrecycled rubber. It is also contemplated that materials with differentdensities may be used within a single self-massage roller with bottle100 to provide a range of massages as the user rotates the self-massageroller with bottle 100.

While the surface texture and pattern for the plurality of nubs 124 mayvary, the presently preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanyingfigures. The various surface textures and patterns offer the user arange of different massages. In some embodiments, each nub has a radialcross-section that is semi-elliptical 138. This includes cross-sectionsthat semi-circular. In other embodiments, each nub has a radialcross-section that is trapezoidal 140. In yet another version, each nubhas a radial cross-section that is semi-circular and each nub isarranged longitudinally on the outer surface 116, extending from nearthe top end 118 to near the bottom end 120 of the body 110. Thatembodiment was depicted in Provisional Application No. 61/875,696.

In the presently preferred embodiment where each nub has a radialcross-section that is semi-elliptical 138, the nub radius 150 preferablyis between 7.0 mm (about 0.28 inches) and 8.5 mm (about 0.33 inches),and the nub length 152 preferably is between 49.5 mm to 59.5 mm. In thepresently preferred embodiment where each nub has a radial cross-sectionthat is trapezoidal 140, the nub length 154 preferably is 20 mm (about0.79 inches) or 41 mm (about 1.6 inches), the nub width 156 preferablyis 20 mm (about 0.79 inches), and the nub width 158 preferably is 7.0 mm(about 0.28 inches).

In a version of the invention, the covering 104 is applied to the bottle102 by way of a hot press mold and glue. In an embodiment, each nub isattached directly to the outer surface 116 of the bottle 102 without anintervening base layer 122.

In versions with a cap 106, the cap 106 may include a flip-up spout 134,or it may have a plunger valve 136 that opens upon pulling the plungeroutward and closes upon pushing in the plunger. Examples are shown inthe Figures. Other spout designs are also effective, but the cap 106preferably is a flip-up spout 134 made of BPA-free plastic. The cap 106mates with the neck 130 to close the top 114 of the bottle 102.

The bottle 102 and cap 106 provide two methods of delivering liquid tothe user. One is by completely unscrewing the cap 106 to remove it. Theindividual user can then drink directly from the top 114 of the bottle102 or pour the liquid into another container, such as a cup. The secondmethod, which provides faster access, is to use the flip-up spout 134 oranother spout design. This is ideal for people who, for example, areexercising. Such people typically require a quick drink so they cancontinue their exercise. The bottle 102 can sit on its bottom 112, orlie down on its side outer surface 116.

Preferably, during non-use the self-massage roller with bottle 100 isintended to stand upright on its bottom 112, although it may be placedinside of carrying cases; so the orientation will vary. When used formyofascial release the self-massage roller with bottle 100 is placed onits side outer surface 116, horizontally on the floor or other surface.The user rolls the self-massage roller with bottle 100 on its side outersurface 116 on the floor, and has the user's body part (for example, aleg) positioned on top of at least a portion of the plurality of nubs124. The user may press downward to increase the pressure applied to thebody part, or the user may simply roll the self-massage roller withbottle 100 along the body part so that only gravity pressure is applied.In one aspect of use, the pressure is applied to the body part throughthe user rolling on the self-massage roller with bottle 100 and usingthe user's body weight to generate pressure on the body part(s) thatcontact the self-massage roller with bottle 100.

While the present invention has been described with regards toparticular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations ofthe present invention may be devised without departing from theinventive concept.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

This invention may be industrially applied to the developmentmanufacture, and use of bottles having exterior padding and that areconfigured and adapted to function both as a vessel for holding liquidsfor consumption by a user and as a roller for myofascial flexibility andmuscle tension release for the user.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for manufacturing a self-massage roller,comprising: forming a bottle from stainless steel, wherein the bottle isconfigured to support a body weight of a user; forming a coveringcomprising a base layer and a plurality of nubs; and overlaying thecovering on a portion of an outer surface of the bottle; wherein theplurality of nubs protrude from the base layer in a direction radiallyaway from the outer surface of the bottle, the plurality of nubstogether forming a textured surface for myofascial release, theplurality of nubs distributed about the base layer as alternatingsegments of at least two different surface textures, the alternatingsegments comprising at least one segment of a first surface texture andat least one other segment of a second surface texture.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of nubs having a radial cross-sectionthat is semi-elliptical or trapezoidal.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein: the bottle comprises a body including the outer surface, a topend, and a bottom end; a bottom closing the bottom end of the body; atop at the top end of the body to allow access to an interior of thebottle; and the body has a top-to-bottom length extending from the topend of the body to the bottom end of the body.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein: each segment of the first surface texture comprises a singlearray of nubs extending from a first side of the base layer to a secondside of the base layer, all nubs of the single array having the sameshape and dimensions, each nub of the single array vertically spacedapart from another nub of the single array, and all nubs of the singlearray arranged longitudinally along a first direction perpendicular tothe top-to-bottom length of the body; and each segment of the secondsurface texture comprises a first sequence of nubs with alternating nublengths arranged in a first alternating order and a second sequence ofnubs with alternating nub lengths arranged in a second alternating orderthat is complementary to the first alternating order, each nub of eachsequence having a nub length that is either shorter or longer thananother nub of the same sequence that is adjacent to the nub, each nubof each sequence horizontally spaced apart from another nub of the samesequence, all nubs of each sequence arranged longitudinally along asecond direction parallel to the top-to-bottom length of the body, allnubs of each sequence having the same shape, and the first sequencedisposed above the second sequence, such each nub of the first sequenceis positioned directly above and vertically spaced apart from anothernub of the second sequence having a nub length that is either shorter orlonger than the nub of the first sequence.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the bottle has a wall thickness of 0.5 mm.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the wall thickness of the bottle, dense material ofeach nub, and a nub length of each nub together support the body weightof the user when the roller is placed horizontally on a side of theouter surface of the body and a body part of the user is positioned ontop of a portion of the plurality of nubs.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein each nub includes a pair of opposing nub ends, and one or moreopposing nub ends of one or more nubs of the plurality of nubs apply andsustain pressure on one or more body parts of the user when the one ormore body parts roll on the roller and come in direct rolling contactwith the one or more nubs, the one or more opposing nub ends massagingand releasing muscle tension from different muscle tissues of the one ormore body parts.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternatingsegments massage muscle tissues of a body part of the user alongdifferent directions when the body part rolls on the roller andtransitions from coming in direct rolling contact with a segment of thefirst surface texture to coming in direct rolling contact with anothersegment of the second surface texture.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereineach opposing nub end of each nub disposed at a side of the base layerapplies and sustains pressure on a body part of the user to massage andrelease muscle tension from muscle tissues of the body part when thebody part is pressed against the side of the base layer.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the plurality of nubs having a radial cross-sectionthat is semi-elliptical with a nub radius shorter than a nub length withthe nub length being between 49.5 mm to 59.5 mm, or a radialcross-section that is trapezoidal with a nub depth shorter than the nublength with the nub length being 20 mm or 41 mm.
 11. The method of claim3, wherein the overlaying comprises applying the covering to the bottleby way of a hot press mold and glue, the covering extending over morethan half of the top-to-bottom length of the body, and a wall thicknessof the bottle further supporting the covering.
 12. A method formanufacturing a self-massage roller, comprising: forming a bottle fromstainless steel, wherein the bottle is configured to support a bodyweight of a user; and attaching directly a plurality of nubs on aportion of an outer surface of the bottle; wherein the plurality of nubsprotrude from the outer surface in a direction radially away from theouter surface of the bottle, the plurality of nubs together forming atextured surface for myofascial release, the plurality of nubsdistributed about the outer surface as alternating segments of at leasttwo different surface textures, the alternating segments comprising atleast one segment of a first surface texture and at least one othersegment of a second surface texture.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe plurality of nubs having a radial cross-section that issemi-elliptical or trapezoidal.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein: thebottle comprises a body including the outer surface, a top end, and abottom end; a bottom closing the bottom end of the body; a top at thetop end of the body to allow access to an interior of the bottle; andthe body has a top-to-bottom length extending from the top end of thebody to the bottom end of the body.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein:each segment of the first surface texture comprises a single array ofnubs extending from the top end of the body to the bottom end of thebody, all nubs of the single array having the same shape and dimensions,each nub of the single array vertically spaced apart from another nub ofthe single array, and all nubs of the single array arrangedlongitudinally along a first direction perpendicular to thetop-to-bottom length of the body; and each segment of the second surfacetexture comprises a first sequence of nubs with alternating nub lengthsarranged in a first alternating order and a second sequence of nubs withalternating nub lengths arranged in a second alternating order that iscomplementary to the first alternating order, each nub of each sequencehaving a nub length that is either shorter or longer than another nub ofthe same sequence that is adjacent to the nub, each nub of each sequencehorizontally spaced apart from another nub of the same sequence, allnubs of each sequence arranged longitudinally along a second directionparallel to the top-to-bottom length of the body, all nubs of eachsequence having the same shape, and the first sequence disposed abovethe second sequence, such each nub of the first sequence is positioneddirectly above and vertically spaced apart from another nub of thesecond sequence having a nub length that is either shorter or longerthan the nub of the first sequence.
 16. The method of claim 12, whereinthe bottle has a wall thickness of 0.5 mm.
 17. The method of claim 15,wherein the wall thickness of the bottle, dense material of each nub,and a nub length of each nub together support the body weight of theuser when the roller is placed horizontally on a side of the outersurface of the body and a body part of the user is positioned on top ofa portion of the plurality of nubs.
 18. The method of claim 12, whereineach nub includes a pair of opposing nub ends, and one or more opposingnub ends of one or more nubs of the plurality of nubs apply and sustainpressure on one or more body parts of the user when the one or more bodyparts roll on the roller and come in direct rolling contact with the oneor more nubs, the one or more opposing nub ends massaging and releasingmuscle tension from different muscle tissues of the one or more bodyparts.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the alternating segmentsmassage muscle tissues of a body part of the user along differentdirections when the body part rolls on the roller and transitions fromcoming in direct rolling contact with a segment of the first surfacetexture to coming in direct rolling contact with another segment of thesecond surface texture.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein eachopposing nub end of each nub disposed at a side of the base layerapplies and sustains pressure on a body part of the user to massage andrelease muscle tension from muscle tissues of the body part when thebody part is pressed against the side of the base layer.